The New Food Pyramid In Detail

The current food pyramid has been heavily criticized by doctors and nutritionists for being inadequate. Dr. Walter Willett, head of Harvard’s Department of Nutrition, is lobbying for a new pyramid that emphasizes healthy fats, nuts, legumes, whole grains, physical activity, and weight control. Here is Dr. Willett’s new food pyramid recommendation:

The new food pyramid

What’s been changed on the food pyramid?

1. Fruits and vegetables are near the foundation
2. The emphasis of the chart is on exercise and weight control
3. Emphasis on choosing healthy fats (vegetable oils) and olives, avocado, trans fat free margarines etc. as part of a good diet
4. Eating nuts daily
5. Limiting intake of red meat and butter
6. Using low fat milk and yogurt, or calcium fortified soy milk in place of high fat dairy
7. Limiting high glycemic foods such as soda pop, French fried potatoes, and highly refined foods including baked goods high in trans-fatty acids
8. Emphasis on eating more legumes (vegetable proteins and high in soluble fiber)

As you can see, quite a lot has been changed in the revised food pyramid. This new food pyramid is much better as a guide on what amounts of each food group you need for a healthy diet. If you have any comments about the new food pyramid post them below.